TMAM EP 60 – TYRAN SMITH

In this episode of TMAM Mets chats to Tyran Smith former New Zealand rugby league footballer.

[1:00] Mets tells us a little about Tyran's journey in rugby league so far from player to manager.

[1:20] Tyran has played over 200 games and for 7 clubs. He shares his journey from the start to now.

[2:00] “Why did you play for so many clubs?” – Mets

[2:05] “I always wanted to challenge myself and learn from new challenges and experiences and people around me” - Tyran

[2:30] “Continuing to challenge myself and trying to find the best me as a player” - Tyran

[3:00] Mets asks Tyran what he has learnt so far.

[3:10] “You look back and start to see where you took things for granted. Looking back I could have focused and done the little things right and taken advantage of the position I was in” - Tyran

[4:00] “When you go to training make sure you give it 100%. Keep doing the little things right” - Tyran

[4:20] Mets asks Tyran about the challenges he had back when he was playing. Tyran says he didn’t focus on the little things. He didn’t have an understanding of the little things. He was always focused on the bigger things. He didn’t have as much knowledge. He was following those around him instead of searching for or pro actively seeking a better self.

[6:30] You need to be proactive to find the things that make you better and make you a success

[7:00] Tyran didn’t have players he looked up to. His dad is someone he looked up to because of his work ethic.

[7:30] Tyran admired players but never looked up to them.

[8:20] Tyran now looks back at things and thinks would be different if he knew back then what he knows now

[9:00] Mets and Tyran talk about purpose and how he got into what he does now

[9:50] Mets asks how hard is it managing players?! “You can’t control everything but having a good relationship is important. Communication and accountability are crucial.” - Tyran

[11:00] Tyran talks about how he likes to have really good relationships with players and likes to go over and beyond. He holds players accountable and holds the club accountable. Everyone has a clear understanding

[12:00] Tyran likes players to have clarity on why things are happening. To focus on other areas of their lives like family etc

[14:00] Mets ask Tyran what are the different challenges that player focus today? Tyran says social media etc. add pressure and new challenges. The game is tougher, more brutal. A lot bigger and strong guys out there now. Pressures, scrutiny, everything is magnified.

[16:20] “There’s no loyalty in rugby league, but there is loyalty in life” - Tyran

[17:00] “My purpose as a manager is to empower players” – Tyran

[18:00] “If you focus on ego and fame and the fortune (how many people know you and your status) that’s fine when you’re in your prime, but at the end of your career your then an empty shell. So you need to know about yourself and follow your beliefs.” - Tyran

[27:00] Mets asks what are the attributes a young player needs for success? What does it take? Tyran says the talented players developed their talent since a young age. What you do from a young age is what a player will do at an elite player. Individual talents and skills are developed young. Anyone can do it, you create your own success. Identify your job and do it well. Break it right down. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Know what your good at. Have a clear mindset. Make those around you better.

[28:40] Mets asks a final question - What do you want to be known for? “To be known as no matter what, someone that’s going to do everything he can to make you better, help you when your down, celebrate when you’re up. Someone who is a good guy” - Tyran